Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin, wed commoner Kei Moriya at a ceremony Monday at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old princess officially lost her royal status after her marriage to the 32-year-old employee of shipping firm Nippon Yusen K.K. was legally registered later in the day in the capital's Minato Ward.
Arriving at the shrine in traditional court attire — a kimono robe and hakama pants — with her hair tied in the osuberakashi ancient style for noblewomen, the princess smiled at Moriya, who had been waiting for her in a morning suit.